What to Look for in a Chinese Medicine School

As consumers become increasingly interested in alternative medicine as a standalone option or in conjunction with traditional medicine, more schools are being formed to teach students how to work as a professional in this field.
However, as with any field, some schools excel while others fall short of expectations. With so many incredible opportunities to treat people while building a solid career, it is critical that you know what to look for in a good Chinese medical school. With a little bit of knowledge, you will have no problem in separating the good from the bad.

Mandated Regulations

In the United States, the professional practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is regulated in all but six states. In Canada, five provinces are now tightly regulated: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland.This means when looking for a Chinese medical school, you need to be sure all requirements set by the governing agency are being followed.

This ensures the school is doing what it is supposed to under the law and that the courses are created according to very specific guidelines.This is so that as students graduate and begin to seek out employment, their hard work is legally recognized.Remember, in most Canadian provinces, you can practice acupuncture without a license, but with the five provinces now requiring licensing, this is likely to change within the near future.

Additional Considerations

The exact types of programs offered by a Chinese medical school should be another deciding factor. After all, if you have a goal of practicing in a certain field or using a specific technique, you want to make sure the school offers the appropriate courses. In addition, the courses should be convenient, making it easier for you to attend school and graduate. This might include a school that offers night classes, online courses, weekend classes, and so on.

Reputation is also a huge consideration when scouting for the best Chinese medicine school. You have every right to request referrals, which should be followed up on. However, you can also take advantage of online forums and open chat rooms to hear what other students have to say. Often, this type of resource reveals a ton of information.